feel embarrassed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel embarrassed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of shame or discomfort regarding a specific situation or action. Example: "I often feel embarrassed by my mistakes in public speaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

I feel embarrassed by that statement".

The New York Times

"You feel embarrassed by someone touching you.

The New York Times

Interested at first, I began to feel embarrassed by them.

The Guardian - Travel

But behind this, even those in favour of the name change feel embarrassed by the way the government has once again bypassed the public in this decision.

The Guardian - Opinion

You'd think that I would become blind to it after a while, or that I might occasionally feel embarrassed by its pretentiousness when guests come over, but nope!

The New Yorker

Instruct students not to write their names on the surveys – they should be done anonymously, and no one should be made to feel embarrassed by what they do not yet know.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Feeling embarrassed by breastfeeding when others are present in the home or in public spaces was discussed by some migrant women as a reason to formula feed or to use mixed feeding.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

"I feel embarrassed, really, by all this," he said.

The New York Times

There's no need to feel embarrassed anymore by your love for pink wines.

Los Angeles Times

I do not feel embarrassed or humiliated by what we have done because we have carried out our duty.

The Guardian

Your child may not get along with a teammate, or feel embarrassed or humiliated by a coach... in which case, parental involvement can often remediate the problem.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feel embarrassed by", ensure that the object of embarrassment is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what action or situation causes the embarrassment.

Common error

Avoid substituting "by" with other prepositions such as "of" or "with". While "feel embarrassed" can be followed by "about", using "by" specifies the direct cause or source of the embarrassment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel embarrassed by" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing an emotional state resulting from an external cause. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically sound way to describe a sense of discomfort or shame.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel embarrassed by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a sense of discomfort or shame resulting from something specific. As Ludwig AI confirmed, its usage is widespread, spanning News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, and its neutral register allows for application in various contexts. While similar phrases like "feel ashamed of" or "feel awkward about" exist, "feel embarrassed by" provides a clear and direct way to convey this particular emotion. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by defining the cause of the embarrassment, and avoid incorrect preposition usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel ashamed of

Indicates a deeper sense of wrongdoing or moral failing compared to simple embarrassment.

feel self-conscious about

Focuses on awareness of oneself and concern about others' perception.

feel awkward about

Highlights discomfort and lack of ease in a particular situation.

feel mortified by

Emphasizes extreme embarrassment and humiliation.

feel humiliated by

Stresses the feeling of being demeaned or lowered in status.

feel sheepish about

Suggests a mild sense of embarrassment or guilt.

feel remorseful about

Highlights regret and sorrow for a past action.

feel chagrined by

Indicates a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation.

feel regretful about

Focuses on wishing something hadn't happened or been done.

feel guilty about

Emphasizes a sense of responsibility for a wrong act.

FAQs

What's the difference between "feel embarrassed by" and "feel ashamed of"?

"Feel embarrassed by" typically indicates discomfort or awkwardness in a specific situation, while "feel ashamed of" implies a deeper sense of guilt or wrongdoing.

How can I use "feel embarrassed by" in a sentence?

You can use "feel embarrassed by" to express discomfort or awkwardness caused by something specific, such as "I "feel embarrassed by" my past mistakes."

What are some alternatives to "feel embarrassed by"?

Alternatives include "feel awkward about", "feel self-conscious about", or "feel mortified by", depending on the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel embarrassed of" instead of "feel embarrassed by"?

No, "feel embarrassed of" is not grammatically correct. The correct preposition to use with "feel embarrassed" in this context is "by".